This bill proposes an amendment to the West Virginia Birth-to-Three program, specifically targeting the payment structure for therapists and other professionals who provide services but are not employed by a state agency. The key provision of the bill is the introduction of a 25 percent increase in payments for these contracted professionals, effective July 1, 2025. This increase aims to enhance the compensation for those delivering early intervention services to children with developmental delays.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing framework of the West Virginia Birth-to-Three Fund, which is an interest-bearing account established to cover costs associated with early intervention services. The fund is supported by various sources, including legislative appropriations, transfers from health department funds, public agency contributions, private donations, and client fees. The bill ensures that any remaining balance in the fund at the end of the fiscal year will not revert to the state Treasury but will continue to be available for the intended purposes of the program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5K-6